Public transport in Pune hit a new milestone in 2024, with Pune Metro serving an impressive 4.57 crore passengers throughout the year. This growth highlights the increasing preference of Punekars for efficient public transport, especially with the advent of Metro Lines 1 and 2. For comparison, PMPML buses recorded a ridership of 44 crore in the last financial year.
With Pune Metro easing traffic congestion and providing a reliable alternative, the city’s public transport system has witnessed a significant boost, with its ridership and revenue numbers reflecting remarkable growth.
Pune Metro’s Ridership Surge in 2024
Ridership on the Pune Metro saw a steady climb throughout 2024, starting from 17.39 lakh commuters in January to an impressive 53.36 lakh by December 28. Month-on-month growth marked a trend of increasing reliance on the Metro for daily commutes.
- January: 17.39 lakh
- February: 17.77 lakh
- March-April: From 18 lakh in March to 23 lakh in April
- June-July: 29.24 lakh and 31.20 lakh, respectively
- October: 48.19 lakh, the highest ridership for the year
- November: A slight dip to 43.08 lakh
By the close of the year, Pune Metro had transported a total of 4.57 crore passengers, solidifying its role as a vital part of Pune’s public transport system.
Line-by-Line Ridership Performance
- Line 1: Running between Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and Swargate, Line 1 faced challenges with limited feeder services and incomplete exit points. Its monthly ridership ranged between 7 lakh and 21 lakh.
- Line 2: Connecting Vanaz to Ramwadi, Line 2 significantly outperformed Line 1, with monthly ridership consistently exceeding 10 lakh. In September, it surpassed 30 lakh passengers, thanks to its strategic connectivity between residential hubs like Kothrud and commercial centers like Koregaon Park.
Revenue Growth in 2024
Pune Metro’s financial performance paralleled its ridership growth, recording a total revenue of ₹76.58 crore in 2024. The year began with earnings of ₹2.66 crore in January and saw consistent increases throughout the months.
- First Half: Earnings rose steadily, reaching ₹4.59 crore in June.
- Second Half: Revenue peaked in October at ₹7.52 crore, followed by ₹6.80 crore in November and ₹7.07 crore in September.
The breakdown of earnings highlights the dominance of Line 2 over Line 1:
- Line 1 Revenue: ₹30.04 crore
- Line 2 Revenue: ₹46.54 crore
Why Line 2 Outperformed Line 1
The superior performance of Line 2 can be attributed to its strategic route, connecting densely populated residential areas like Kothrud, Karve Nagar, and Shivajinagar to bustling commercial zones such as Koregaon Park and Ramwadi. Additionally, it offers a much-needed reprieve from traffic congestion in these areas.
On the other hand, Line 1’s growth was hindered by unfinished exit points and inadequate feeder services, limiting its accessibility and usability for commuters.
The Road Ahead for Pune Metro
The year 2024 has been a turning point for Pune Metro, as the numbers clearly demonstrate Punekars’ growing reliance on this mode of transport. With further enhancements in connectivity, completion of infrastructure, and expanded feeder services, the Metro’s ridership and revenue figures are poised for even greater growth in the coming years.
For now, Pune Metro stands as a testament to the city’s progress towards a more efficient and sustainable public transport system.
Source: First Press Journal
